Page 24 of Under Ground
“Yes, but you’re bringing up Casey by yourself, working a full-time job in an awkward situation, and you make it all look so easy.”
The drinks arrive, and I take a sip of Heineken. Lana tries her bourbon and Coke. She closes her eyes and smiles with a contented sigh.
“Tough day?” I ask.
Lana fixes her gaze on me. “Not really. I’ve been nervous all day though. Not sure if drinking this will sooth those nerves or make me embarrass myself. I’m not much of a drinker.”
I hold out my palms. “You can’t embarrass yourself in front of me. For what it’s worth, I’ve been nervous all day too.”
She tilts her head. “Why would you be nervous?”
“First date with a beautiful woman. It’s scary.” I shrug.
She laughs, and it sounds so good.
“It’s nice to see you’ve got a smile on your face. I know this whole thing with Casey must have freaked you out.”
Lana takes another sip of her drink before she answers. “It’s been a bit of a crazy week.”
We talk some more about life, work, and her daughter, and then our meals arrive, interrupting our conversation. I take a taste of the grilled lamb I ordered and nod my approval. “This is good. Not as good as your cooking.”
Lana rolls her eyes. “Whatever.”
“I mean it. What’s yours like?”
She ordered the braised beef cheeks, and I watch, fascinated, as she forks some and raises it to her mouth.
“Are you watching me eat?”
“Not yet.”
She chuckles and pops the forkful into her mouth, moaning. “Oh my god, that’s so tender.”
“I’m glad you said yes to coming out with me.”
As she blinks rapidly, her lips quiver. “I … I’m glad you asked me.”
Slicing another piece of lamb, I look at my plate. “Eat up. I’ve got plans after this.”
* * *
Eating.
Stealing glances.
Her beautiful smiles.
I knew this night was a good idea. She has no idea just how much I wanted her to say yes, and now she’s here with me.
“How’s filming going?” she asks.
“Good.” I lean back in my seat. “I mean, we really just started. Most of my scenes for the next couple of months are during the day, and then there’ll be some night shoots before my part is over. Thankfully, they’ll be when the weather should be getting warmer.”
She puts down her knife and fork. “How long are you here for?”
“Until November. The shoot is pretty complex, and I’m not in a lead role but I am in a lot of scenes. It’s pretty full on.”
“November,” she says quietly. “About four months?”